Opinion
‘Unschooling’ parents put their kids in charge of their own educations.
September 9, 2024
September 19, 2022
The internet, one of the greatest human inventions, has changed a lot of things about us, including how we learn. The emergence of several internet-based learning technologies has turned the online space into an extensive reservoir of knowledge.
Online degrees have become particularly popular in the last few years for good reasons. With online education, you can acquire your degrees while working and learning at your own pace while eliminating expenses associated with campus-based learning.
Despite the advantages associated with online learning, some people remain pessimistic. For example, many understandably doubt the legitimacy and credibility of some online schools. With the proliferation of online degrees comes the possibility of online education-related scams. To become a victim of such fraudulent practices is to lose hard-earned money, including wasted energy and time. Eventually, victims experience painful emotional trauma.
Therefore, this article provides critical information that can help you identify a genuine online school, using the Metropolitan School of Business and Management (MSBM) as an example.
Why MSBM is Credible and Legitimate
A significant way to verify the legitimacy of an online institution is to investigate and establish its accreditation status. This can be your guide when searching for online programmes. For example, MSBM is registered in the UK with fully accredited programmes by relevant regulatory authorities, including the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and CPD. MSBM also awards authenticated OTHM and ATHE certificates.
Legitimate and credible learning institutions like MSBM invest stupendously in building learning applications and infrastructures to make learning fun and support students. MSBM has over 500 courses that can be taken on the go. The websites also contain links to helpful information – courses, application policy, terms and conditions, partner universities, refund policy, FAQ, blog, reviews, anti-money laundering policy, code of conduct and privacy policy. Added to that is a community of learners and alumni where professionals, industry and thought leaders connect.
Articles and reports from media houses provide valuable clues about institutions. Over the years, many credible local and international news outlets, including Vanguard Newspaper, The Punch and Techcabal have written extensively about MSBM. Therefore, getting information about the concerned institution will be highly helpful.
Genuine learning institutions are highly organised, responsive and efficient. Dedicated and committed support staffs are in place to provide support to students, and multiple communication channels are created to facilitate communication. They do not exist only on the web but also have verifiable physical addresses.
MSBM has 3 verifiable physical addresses on 3 continents. In Nigeria, they're at Agos Offices, 4th Floor, 54, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos. If you are in the UK, visit Floor 37, One Canada Square, E14 5DY, Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom. In Dubai, MSBM is on the 10th floor, API Tower, World Trade Centre Metro Station, along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Typically, fake offers come too cheap and easy. For example, some fake online schools may require only your resume and motivation letter as admission requirements. At MSBM, these are not enough requirements to grant admission. So, consider these types of requirements as red flags. Admission to any of our programmes is competitive, and learners pass through rigorous coursework and research before certificates are awarded.
Be sure that all these boxes are checked when you are applying to an online school.